The following is a set of links to useful online resources that can be used to support learning in reading, writing, numeracy and science. Some of the websites and apps have a cost attached, but resources with an asterisk (*) are free-of-charge.
Resources across several curriculum areas
A website full of tips and tricks for parents and carers in New Zealand looking to support their child’s reading, writing and maths at home. The website provides tips by year level.
A British website with tips for home learning and resources to support both reading, writing and maths.
Reading
The National Library of New Zealand has an entire page dedicated to supporting parents who want to read with their children at home. There are tips, advice, resources and links to external sites.
A digital Encyclopedia of New Zealand
A website with links to electronic books for children. Includes vintage books and books in languages other than English.
One of the largest digital libraries in the world with resources for children 12 years of age and under. There is a fee to join.
Writing
A digital tool that children can use to create their own illustrated story. There is a small subscription fee.
This tool is useful for parents whose children have access to an iPad. The app allows parents to choose a topic (prompt) and invite their child to write about it, including relevant information and pictures. Information and instructions can be found here.
- Piclits, and Literacy Shed*
Free websites that provide students with ideas or prompts that they can use as the basis for independent writing.
- Word Cloud and Wordsmyth*
Free websites that allow students to log on and access information that they can use to practice and improve their vocabulary.
- NZ Education – Punctuation Games and Grammar Blast*
Online programmes that provide opportunities to practice punctuation and grammar
A programme that enables parents to create blogs for their children. The children can create content and post it on their blog, sharing it publicly (i.e. engaging with a real life audience).
Apps that allow children to write about their own learning and experiences and then publish the final product online. They are, in effect, digital storytelling apps.
A free digital writing programme designed by a team of researchers at the University of Auckland for students in primary school (Year 3 – Year 8). The website has links to seven programmes that students can access. The programmes have different themes and topics. Students choose a programme and complete the activities either on a digital device or using paper and pen. Parents will need to read the student’s work and provide feedback.
The only online magazine that only publishes children’s stories, poems, reviews (and art). There is no adult content.
Numeracy
This is a guide produced by the Ministry of Education in Ontario, Canada to support parents wishing to teach their children mathematics at home.
This is a guide produced by the Ministry of Education in Manitoba, Canada in the early 2000s. It provides tips and resources for parents who want to support their children in learning primary school maths at home.
- Maths Worksheets for Home Use* – New Zealand
This website was created by maths teachers in New Zealand. It has a series of maths worksheets that children can complete at home, with the aid of a parent. The worksheets are presented by Year Level. This webpage is embedded within a larger website that has a lot of interesting information about supporting the learning of maths at home.
An entire digital programme for supporting student learning in maths. It was created by a team in United States and has won a series of awards for its design. There is a fee associated with the programme.
A digital maths programme (app) designed for use in home or in schools. The programme is comprehensive and provides students with opportunities to practice a range of maths skills. There is a cost associated with the programme although it may be available through schools.
Numeracy apps or online programmes consisting of interactive maths activities and games. They are designed for primary school-aged children.
Science
A list of tips for promoting science learning at home from the National Association for the Education of Young Children in the United States
A full set of lesson plans that parents can use to provide science learning opportunities for their children from home.
A website created by a former elementary school teacher who develops daily videos covering a range of scientific topics.
A website dedicated to scientific content for primary and intermediate school aged children. The site has dozens of resources for parents and interactive games for children.
Youtube channels that feature educational scientific content for children.
Short videos based on interesting questions for older children.
By Rachel Williamson-Dean
